A $12 million campaign will target lawmakers who might be convinced to support gun control legislation

All Share Services

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is funding a $12 million national ad blitz to target members of Congress who could potentially support Congress’ gun control package. The ads will run in 13 states during the Easter recess, shortly before Congress takes up the legislation in April.

In a telling sign of how much the white-hot demands for gun control have been tempered by political reality, Mr. Bloomberg’s commercials make no mention of an assault weapons ban once sought by the White House and its allies, instead focusing on the more achievable goal of universal background checks.

You Might Also Like

“You don’t want to lose everything in the interest of getting the perfect,” Bloomberg told the Times. He added: “The N.R.A. has just had this field to itself,” but “It’s time for another voice.”

Some of the senators targeted by the ads are Democrats slated for tough reelection battles in 2014, like Kay Hagan N.C., Mary Landrieu, La., and Mark Pryor, Ark, or Republicans in swing states, like Pat Toomey, Pa., and Rob Portman, Wis.

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.